Getting started is hard to do. Whether you are transitioning from a law firm to an in-house role or stepping into your first in-house position, the shift can be overwhelming. Many lawyers quickly realize that law school does not fully prepare them for the realities of in-house practice. It’s a common complaint among legal professionals — some argue that law schools should do more to bridge the gap, while others believe that new in-house lawyers must take the initiative to gain practical experience on their own.
Law schools do their job by teaching students how to research, analyze legal issues, find case law, formulate arguments, and apply legal principles, but legal education — especially for in-house lawyers — cannot stop there. In-house legal work requires more than just knowing the law; it demands strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong communication skills. Who is responsible for providing that legal education? If pressed for an answer, I would say it is a shared responsibility.
Taking Ownership Of Your In-House Education
Moving in-house requires a shift in mindset. Unlike law firm practice, where legal analysis is often the sole focus, in-house lawyers must integrate legal considerations into broader business objectives. No one is going to hand you a roadmap on Day One. That means you have to take ownership of your professional growth and development.
Many lawyers believe that excelling in their legal knowledge is enough, but to thrive in an in-house role, you need to go beyond traditional legal skills. You must understand your company’s business, industry, and key stakeholders — that requires getting out of your office (or away from your inbox) and engaging with colleagues in different departments. You can shadow finance teams to understand budgeting constraints. You can work with HR to navigate employment matters. You can partner with sales and marketing to ensure compliance without stifling innovation.
You must also take the initiative to seek mentorship and find learning opportunities. Unlike law firms where there is often a structured path for associates to develop, the path for in-house lawyers, on the other hand, can be more ambiguous. That’s why it’s critical to build relationships with experienced lawyers — both inside and outside your company. Find mentors, ask questions, and seek guidance. Many seasoned lawyers are more than willing to help if you take the initiative and ask.
The Learning Never Stops
One of the biggest misconceptions new in-house lawyers have is that their education ends once they leave law school or pass the bar exam. That could not be further from the truth. In-house practice requires continuous learning. Laws change. Business priorities shift. New risks emerge. A good in-house lawyer understands that staying competent means staying informed.
For those new to in-house roles, reaching out to other in-house lawyers — whether it is within your company or with outside organizations — is essential. Learning from those who have navigated similar challenges can provide practical knowledge that no law school class can teach. Attending industry conferences, joining professional associations like the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), and participating in legal networking events are also great ways to continue developing skills and expanding professional connections.
Even as a senior in-house lawyer, I still ask questions. I still seek advice. I still push myself to learn and refine my craft. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of dedication to the profession.
Learning Goes Both Ways
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that learning is a two-way street. While junior in-house lawyers and law students look to seasoned in-house lawyers for guidance, seasoned in-house lawyers can also learn from those junior in-house lawyers and law school students. New lawyers and future lawyers can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a different way of thinking about the law. By engaging with new in-house lawyers and law school students, I have gained new insights and grown in my own role. That’s why I believe in giving back.
I’ve mentored junior in-house counsel, taught a law school practical legal skills class, presented at industry seminars, and co-hosted/moderated legal conferences. I’ve also invited law students to assist me with pro bono matters to give them exposure and experience to real-world legal challenges. These experiences allow me not only to share my knowledge, but also to continue to learn from those who are just beginning their legal careers.
When I mentor, I don’t just talk about legal skills. I emphasize leadership, ethics, and business strategy. Being an in-house lawyer is about more than just managing risk — it’s about being a trusted advisor to the company. It’s about recognizing your duty to the company, its employees, and its stakeholders.
Be The Change You Want To See
If there is one thing I want to leave you with, it is this: when you enter the workforce as a lawyer, you are not going to know how to do everything you are expected to do on the first day of the job. When you identify a gap in knowledge or understanding, do not wait for someone else to step up and bridge the gap. That cavalry is not coming. You must lead the charge.
Whether you are new to in-house practice or a seasoned corporate counsel, take ownership of your career. Seek out opportunities to grow. Build relationships with business leaders. Learn from those ahead of you, and mentor those who come after you.
Most importantly, do it not just for yourself, but for others. The in-house legal profession thrives when lawyers commit to learning, mentoring, and leading. The future of in-house counsel is in your hands — make the most of it.
Lisa Lang is an in-house lawyer and thought leader who is passionate about all things in-house. She has recently launched a website and blog Why This, Not That™ (www.lawyerlisalang.com ) to serve as a resource for in-house lawyers. You can e-mail her at lisa@lawyerlisalang.com , connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawyerlisalang/) or follow her on Twitter (@lang_lawyer).
The post Taking Ownership Of Your In-House Legal Career appeared first on Above the Law.
Getting started is hard to do. Whether you are transitioning from a law firm to an in-house role or stepping into your first in-house position, the shift can be overwhelming. Many lawyers quickly realize that law school does not fully prepare them for the realities of in-house practice. It’s a common complaint among legal professionals — some argue that law schools should do more to bridge the gap, while others believe that new in-house lawyers must take the initiative to gain practical experience on their own.
Law schools do their job by teaching students how to research, analyze legal issues, find case law, formulate arguments, and apply legal principles, but legal education — especially for in-house lawyers — cannot stop there. In-house legal work requires more than just knowing the law; it demands strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong communication skills. Who is responsible for providing that legal education? If pressed for an answer, I would say it is a shared responsibility.
Taking Ownership Of Your In-House Education
Moving in-house requires a shift in mindset. Unlike law firm practice, where legal analysis is often the sole focus, in-house lawyers must integrate legal considerations into broader business objectives. No one is going to hand you a roadmap on Day One. That means you have to take ownership of your professional growth and development.
Many lawyers believe that excelling in their legal knowledge is enough, but to thrive in an in-house role, you need to go beyond traditional legal skills. You must understand your company’s business, industry, and key stakeholders — that requires getting out of your office (or away from your inbox) and engaging with colleagues in different departments. You can shadow finance teams to understand budgeting constraints. You can work with HR to navigate employment matters. You can partner with sales and marketing to ensure compliance without stifling innovation.
You must also take the initiative to seek mentorship and find learning opportunities. Unlike law firms where there is often a structured path for associates to develop, the path for in-house lawyers, on the other hand, can be more ambiguous. That’s why it’s critical to build relationships with experienced lawyers — both inside and outside your company. Find mentors, ask questions, and seek guidance. Many seasoned lawyers are more than willing to help if you take the initiative and ask.
The Learning Never Stops
One of the biggest misconceptions new in-house lawyers have is that their education ends once they leave law school or pass the bar exam. That could not be further from the truth. In-house practice requires continuous learning. Laws change. Business priorities shift. New risks emerge. A good in-house lawyer understands that staying competent means staying informed.
For those new to in-house roles, reaching out to other in-house lawyers — whether it is within your company or with outside organizations — is essential. Learning from those who have navigated similar challenges can provide practical knowledge that no law school class can teach. Attending industry conferences, joining professional associations like the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), and participating in legal networking events are also great ways to continue developing skills and expanding professional connections.
Even as a senior in-house lawyer, I still ask questions. I still seek advice. I still push myself to learn and refine my craft. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of dedication to the profession.
Learning Goes Both Ways
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that learning is a two-way street. While junior in-house lawyers and law students look to seasoned in-house lawyers for guidance, seasoned in-house lawyers can also learn from those junior in-house lawyers and law school students. New lawyers and future lawyers can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a different way of thinking about the law. By engaging with new in-house lawyers and law school students, I have gained new insights and grown in my own role. That’s why I believe in giving back.
I’ve mentored junior in-house counsel, taught a law school practical legal skills class, presented at industry seminars, and co-hosted/moderated legal conferences. I’ve also invited law students to assist me with pro bono matters to give them exposure and experience to real-world legal challenges. These experiences allow me not only to share my knowledge, but also to continue to learn from those who are just beginning their legal careers.
When I mentor, I don’t just talk about legal skills. I emphasize leadership, ethics, and business strategy. Being an in-house lawyer is about more than just managing risk — it’s about being a trusted advisor to the company. It’s about recognizing your duty to the company, its employees, and its stakeholders.
Be The Change You Want To See
If there is one thing I want to leave you with, it is this: when you enter the workforce as a lawyer, you are not going to know how to do everything you are expected to do on the first day of the job. When you identify a gap in knowledge or understanding, do not wait for someone else to step up and bridge the gap. That cavalry is not coming. You must lead the charge.
Whether you are new to in-house practice or a seasoned corporate counsel, take ownership of your career. Seek out opportunities to grow. Build relationships with business leaders. Learn from those ahead of you, and mentor those who come after you.
Most importantly, do it not just for yourself, but for others. The in-house legal profession thrives when lawyers commit to learning, mentoring, and leading. The future of in-house counsel is in your hands — make the most of it.
Lisa Lang is an in-house lawyer and thought leader who is passionate about all things in-house. She has recently launched a website and blog Why This, Not That™ (www.lawyerlisalang.com ) to serve as a resource for in-house lawyers. You can e-mail her at [email protected] , connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawyerlisalang/) or follow her on Twitter (@lang_lawyer).
